Residence requirement for green card holders
Green card holders must make the US their main residence. Long absences may be treated as abandoning permanent resident status.
What is a re-entry permit?
A re-entry permit lets a green card holder who expects to be away from the US for a long time apply to USCIS in advance, showing they do not intend to give up permanent residence.
When is it useful?
- Handling business or caring for family overseas for an extended period.
- Children studying in the US while parents still work in Asia.
Applying
- File before leaving the US, and complete biometrics as required.
- A re-entry permit does not allow indefinite absence; the US must still be your main residence when you return.
Effect on citizenship
Long absences can also affect the continuous residence calculation when you later apply for citizenship, so plan your travel with that in mind.